FedEx to extend $1.4 mn grant to Embarq to optimise city bus operations in India

MUMBAI: Global express logistics major FedEx today said it has given a grant of $ 1.4 million to the World Resource Institute promoted global urban transport solutions provider Embarq to optimise city bus operations in India, Mexico and Brazil.

FedEx will provide the grant of $ 1.4 million over two years to Embarq to provide technical expertise on sustainable transportation projects that improve quality of life in cities, the US-based FedEx said in a statement here.

"Some of the world's largest cities will be able to improve their public transit systems, which are critical in this time of rapid urbanisation," Embarq director Holger Dalkmann said.

Under the grant, Embarq India and FedEx will increase the technical capacity of city transport agencies to organise their bus systems, advising on areas like vehicle maintenance, procurement and technology, as well as data collection and management, it said.

"We are excited to scale up our work with Embarq so that we can have an impact not just in Mexico, but also in Brazil and India, two of the world's fastest growing economies," FedEx Vice-President for corporation, environmental affairs and sustainability Mitch Jackson said.

Through workshops, field visits and direct consultation, Embarq transport planners and FedEx global experts will team up to provide support to developing cities in fuel and vehicle technologies, vehicle asset management, and real-time user information systems.

"FedEx's guidance will go a long way in helping Indian officials from bus operators to bureaucrats realise the significance that bus-based systems can play in alleviating mobility problems, including congestion, air pollution and unsafe roads," Embarq India Director Madhav Pai said.

Embarq catalyses environmentally and financially sustainable transport solutions to improve quality of life in cities.